Research.
Every peer-reviewed study on fascia in one place — graded for strength of evidence, summarised in plain language for clinicians, researchers, and curious readers.
We grade studies from A to 1A+++ using the Fascia Research Database rubric — 1A+++ is the strongest.
Researchers behind the studiesIntra-articular injection of a nutritive mixture solution protects articular cartilage from osteoarthritic progression induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection in mature rabbits: a randomized controlled trial
In this animal study, researchers investigated if injecting a simple nutrient solution could protect knee cartilage in rabbits with induced osteoarthritis. The solution, containing glucose, amino acids, and vitamin C, w…
Anatomy of the deep fascia of the upper limb. Second part: study of innervation
This anatomical study examined the nerve supply within the deep fascia of the upper limb. Researchers analyzed tissue samples from 20 arms, focusing on five specific areas including the brachial fascia and the flexor re…
Asymmetric Sphincter Innervation is Associated With Fecal Incontinence After Anal Sphincter Trauma During Childbirth
Researchers investigated if uneven nerve signals (asymmetry) to the anal sphincter muscles are linked to fecal incontinence after childbirth. They compared three groups: pregnant women who had not given birth, women aft…
Extracellular matrix, mechanotransduction and structural hierarchies in heart tissue engineering
This narrative review explores the challenges of engineering artificial heart tissue. The heart functions across vast scales of time and space, from tiny ion channels to the whole organ's pumping action. The authors sug…
Subcutaneous Tissue Fibroblast Cytoskeletal Remodeling Induced by Acupuncture: Evidence for a Mechanotransduction-Based Mechanism
In this mouse tissue study, researchers investigated how rotating an acupuncture needle affects fibroblasts in the connective tissue under the skin. They found that rotation caused the fibroblasts to actively change sha…
Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: evaluation with MR arthrography
This study evaluated the usefulness of MR arthrography for diagnosing adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder. Researchers retrospectively analyzed images from 28 patients, half with the condition and half se…
Connective tissue: A body-wide signaling network?
This paper proposes that loose connective tissue functions as a body-wide communication system, in addition to its structural role. The author hypothesizes that this tissue network is mechanosensitive, meaning it respon…
Fibroblast spreading induced by connective tissue stretch involves intracellular redistribution of a- and b-actin
Researchers investigated how fibroblasts, the primary cells in connective tissue, respond to mechanical stretching. In this ex vivo study, they stretched samples of subcutaneous tissue for 30 minutes and observed change…
Mechanisms of Mechanotransduction
This review describes mechanotransduction, the process by which cells sense and respond to physical forces. The researchers explain that nearly all living organisms, from bacteria to humans, are sensitive to mechanical…
Migration of tumor cells in 3D matrices is governed by matrix stiffness along with cell-matrix adhesion and proteolysis
This study investigated how tumor cells move in a three-dimensional environment similar to body tissues. Researchers found that in addition to the cell's ability to adhere to and pull on its surroundings, the stiffness…
Pathophysiological model for chronic low back pain integrating connective tissue and nervous system mechanisms
This paper proposes a theoretical model for how chronic low back pain might develop and persist. The authors hypothesize that fear of pain leads to reduced movement, which in turn causes physical changes and inflammatio…
Passive muscle stiffness may be influenced by active contractility of intramuscular connective tissue
This paper proposes the hypothesis that connective tissue within muscles, specifically the layer known as the perimysium, can actively contract. This contraction, likely driven by specialized cells called myofibroblasts…